Brian Burnes & Steve Katz: Remembering Katz Drug Stores

Reporter and author Brian Burnes and Katz family descendant Steve Katz launch The Kings of Cut-Rate: The Very American Story of Isaac and Michael Katz, a new title from Kansas City Star Books.

An overwhelming response from the community came after the newspaper’s call for memories, stories, and anecdotes about this Kansas City and Midwest retail icon. The book traces the history of the family-owned stores that grew from two cigar stands downtown to a chain of superstores. Katz Drug Company, known for its catchy advertising slogans, extensive inventory, and cut-rate prices, redefined “drug store” and became a part of the region’s shared memory.